MEMPHIS, Tenn., Mar 10, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Continuing its leadership in cervical spine medical device therapies, Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) today announced the U.S. launch of the ATLANTIS VISION(R) ELITE Anterior Cervical Plate System.
The ATLANTIS VISION(R) ELITE Anterior Cervical Plate is a titanium implant used to treat patients who suffer from degenerative disc disease that affects the neck (cervical spine). When a spinal disc is diseased, it can lose height, compressing nerves and causing pain in the neck. There are an estimated 180,000 cervical fusion procedures performed in the United States each year to relieve compression on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
The ATLANTIS VISION(R) ELITE cervical plate is designed to provide stability during spinal fusion, which involves joining two bones together, such as adjacent vertebrae.
This innovative system combines two existing Medtronic technologies in one plate - a quarter turn locking mechanism designed to prevent the screws from backing out or loosening during fusion, and a plate design that offers surgeons visibility to better view the spine.
"The ATLANTIS VISION(R) ELITE Anterior Cervical Plate system is the newest addition to the ATLANTIS(R) System family of products, which has over 12 years of clinical history," says Doug King, Senior Vice President and President of Medtronic Spinal. "This system further differentiates our anterior cervical fixation portfolio by building on the clinical experience and innovation of the ATLANTIS(R) platform. It is the result of the merging of two of our market leading technologies into one implant."
The ATLANTIS VISION(R) ELITE Anterior Cervical Plate system consists of a variety of shapes and sizes of bone plates, screws, and associated instruments. Fixation is provided by bone screws inserted into the vertebral body of the cervical spine using an anterior approach.
This system is intended for anterior interbody screw fixation from C2 to T1. The system is indicated for use in the temporary stabilization of the anterior spine during the development of cervical spinal fusions in patients with degenerative disc disease (as defined by neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies); trauma (including fractures), tumors, deformity (defined as kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis), pseudarthrosis, and/or failed previous fusions.
Potential risks associated with the use of the device include, but are not limited to: bending, and/or breakage of any or all of the components, screw loosening and/or back out, and tissue or nerve damage caused by improper positioning and placement of implants or instruments.
Since the initial launch of the ATLANTIS(R) system in 1998, more than one million patients have benefited from this technology.
The ATLANTIS VISION(R) ELITE Anterior Cervical Plate System incorporates technology developed by Gary K. Michelson, M.D.
About the Spine Business at Medtronic
The Spine business, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the global leader in today's spine market and is committed to advancing the treatment of spinal conditions. The Spine business collaborates with world-renowned surgeons, researchers and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and technologies for neurological, orthopaedic and spinal conditions. Medtronic is committed to developing affordable, minimally invasive procedures that provide lifestyle friendly surgical therapies. More information about the company and its spinal treatments can be found at www.medtronicspinal.com and its patient-education Web sites, www.back.com, www.iscoliosis.com, www.maturespine.com and www.necksurgery.com.
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
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SOURCE: Medtronic, Inc.
Medtronic, Inc. Victor Rocha, 901-399-2401 Public Relations or Jeff Warren, 763-505-2696 Investor Relations